As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks nears, former President George W. Bush looked back on his decision to visit a mosque six days following 9/11. He wanted to reassure Muslim Americans that they were not at fault for the terror events. On a recent evening, Bush recounted, “This decision, shortly thereafter, was to go to a mosque.” He shared his concerns about reports of women in traditional coverings facing harassment, particularly in Michigan.
During a conversation with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the event “A Legacy of Service: America at the 25th Anniversary of 9/11” at his presidential center in Dallas, Bush discussed his 9/11 response. The mosque visit stood out as a crucial part of his reaction to the attacks. His aim was to differentiate between Islam, Muslim Americans, and the terrorists responsible for 9/11. Six days post-attacks, Bush visited the Islamic Center of Washington to assert that “Islam is peace.”
Former President George W. Bush speaks during the rededication ceremony of the Islamic Center on June 27, 2007, in Washington, D.C.
Bush explained, “It became clear to me that if this was an ideological struggle, which is what I viewed it as, and we forego one of the most important parts of our ideology, which is the freedom to worship the way you want to worship.” Reflecting on the events, Rice inquired about the significance of ensuring Muslim American citizens knew they were not to blame for the incidents.
Bush further emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace, not one of conflict, and explained that the terrorists had distorted their faith. On September 17, Bush went to the Islamic Center of Washington, endeavoring to clearly separate Islam and those who killed nearly 3,000 Americans.
He met with Muslim leaders and addressed specific concerns regarding Muslim women in head coverings. Many feared leaving their homes or shopping due to potential intimidation. Bush affirmed, “That should not and that will not stand in America.”
As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Bush’s reflections come amid a renewed political focus on the events and their aftermath.
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